As of 2023, Paramount+ is not officially available to Canadians, and Paramount+ has no plans to expand into Canada.
So if you want to watch Paramount+ but you’re located in Canada, the only way to do so is with the help of a virtual private network (more commonly called a VPN). The good news here is that VPNs these days are pretty easy to install and use from anywhere in the world, so you don’t need to worry about learning a whole new skill. Plus, once you get a VPN subscription, you can use it to watch almost every American streaming service, like Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock.
If you’re just looking for a quick VPN recommendation, our team loves ExpressVPN because it feels premium and has servers in every country we’ve ever had a need to explore. But there are plenty of great VPNS to choose from.
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to watch Paramount+ in Canada.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Paramount+ in Canada?
If you’ve ever tried to watch American streaming services like Paramount+ in Canada, you’ve probably landed on something like this message: “We couldn’t find your location, which is required for watching this content.”
That can be so frustrating, especially if you Google “where to watch” a certain show and Google suggests it’s available on Paramount+ in your region. Streaming happens on the internet, so why is it still restricted by geographical boundaries?
Since streaming services are corporate entities bound by laws and trade agreements and the like, they have to set limits based on location.
For you, this just means adding an extra step to your streaming workflow before you get to watch shows like Yellowjackets, Why Women Kill, and Love Allways. Once you get a VPN subscription, you won’t need to worry as much about geo-blocking and you’ll get to access all the content on Paramount+ from Canada.
Do you still need to pay for a Paramount+ subscription to watch from Canada with a VPN?
Yes, a subscription to Paramount+ is still required if you want to stream content from Canada — even with a VPN.
Imagine a VPN as an internet teleportation device. It takes you (virtually) to the destination you mark as your desired server. So when you use a VPN from Canada to watch Paramount+ with an American IP address, the VPN does the work of transporting you (virtually) to the United States.
But that’s as far as your VPN subscription gets you. A VPN doesn’t automatically make it possible for you to watch any movie or show you want. For that, you’ll also need to subscribe to Paramount+. The good news: when you subscribe to Paramount+, you get access to CBS stations in addition to on-demand programming.
Read our full review of Paramount+ to find out why else we like it.
How to access Paramount+ from Canada with a VPN
There isn’t anything special about accessing Paramount+ from Canada. The steps are basically the same as accessing Paramount+ from any other country.
Here are the basic steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN like our top choice, ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
- Connect to the VPN from your target region. In this case, that’s the United States since you want to access Paramount+ like you’re in the United States.
- Sign in to Paramount+ or create an account if you don’t have one already. (Use our link to Paramount+ to get any free trials or deals we’ve negotiated.)
- Start streaming!
The next time you want to watch Paramount+ from Canada, you’ll just need to follow steps 3-5. Pretty simple, right?
Plus, if you want to watch any other streaming services from international accounts, you’ll be able to do so with your same VPN subscription.
Frequently asked questions
You asked, we answer! Below, find the answers to the questions we get most often about watching Paramount+ in Canada.
Couldn’t Paramount+ just block VPNs?
If Paramount+ wanted to, they could simply identify all VPN servers and add them to their list of blocked IP addresses. However, doing this would require a lot of effort on their part. Paramount+ would have to detect and block every single VPN provider for the countermeasure to work.
Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have tried to set up anti-VPN countermeasures, but these haven't been very effective. Once a VPN provider realizes that it's been blocked, all it has to do is change the IP addresses that it uses.
There just isn't much a streaming service can do about VPNs other than ignore them.
What channels are available on Paramount+?
According to our last count, Paramount+ has 20+ channels, including CBS News and CBS Sports.
Can I watch Paramount+ outside the US?
Yes, it is possible to watch Paramount+ outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN can hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US, allowing you to stream Paramount+ content without restrictions.
We’ve explored many VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it possible to enjoy streaming Paramount+ in other countries. Our favorite VPN to use for watching Paramount+ outside the US is ExpressVPN.
What is the best alternative to cable TV in Canada?
There are several alternative TV providers available in Canada. One popular option is to use an over-the-air antenna to watch free, local channels. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have Canadian versions, but there are also other great options for watching television without cable in Canada.
Can I stream live TV in Canada?
There are plenty of options available for catching live TV without cable in Canada. You can check out some of the streaming services available in Canada, or you can use your TV provider's online streaming platform. Plus, some Canadian networks have their own streaming services, like CBC Gem and Global TV. So kick back, grab some snacks, and enjoy your favorite shows without the hassle of cable!
Chris Casper • Author
Chris Casper is a former tech industry product manager who escaped from California for New Mexico. Now he writes about science and tech while searching for the perfect green chile sauce.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.